This project began with a question: 

“What does the world need right now?”

In the last few years, the world has experienced sweeping change, and faster than ever in human history. In such a short time, advancements in technology have fundamentally affected how we communicate, how we live our lives, and especially our overall outlook on the world. With intense political turmoil and bitter cultural divisions at home, increased racism and violence, and the creep of authoritarianism, climate change, and ongoing wars abroad—all streamed to our devices constantly and in real time—it’s easy to feel frustrated and overwhelmed.

But times like these prompt us to look back, and remember that while the challenges of our present may be troubling, they are not unprecedented, and history gives us the wisdom and perspective to see a way forward; to resist despair, and the courage to not only face the future, but to actively work to change it for the better.

For as long as civilization has existed, there have been countercultures in one form or another—those who challenge the status-quo, reject conformity, and refuse to be complacent. New ideas and new values are born in the underground, championed by these creative non-conformists, before erupting into the mainstream and changing the world.

The Counterculture Museum will explore countercultures, subcultures, and the dominant cultures from which they arise, with a strong focus on 20th century countercultures—in particular those important to San Francisco and the Bay Area.

In addition to the Beat Generation and the countercultures of the Sixties, from the hippies to the anti-war movement, the Counterculture Museum will address the struggles for civil rights, feminism, LGBTQ+ liberation, the free speech movement, Vietnam, the environmental movement, along with the music of those times—jazz, rock n roll, punk rock, and more.

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Get Involved

The Counterculture Museum is brought to you by the people who created the Beat Museum. Starting with a modest collection of artifacts, books, and memorabilia, we’ve spent the last twenty years telling the story of how a small group of writers, poets, and artists—the Beat Generation—shaped popular culture in the post-WWII years, and for decades to follow. Now our mission is to continue that story.

How You Can Help

Counterculture begins with community. The movements of the past succeeded because people were able to count on each other. For this project to succeed, we’re counting on the support of our community, in San Francisco and beyond, to help us make this dream a reality. Over the last twenty years, we’ve accomplished a lot with very little—because of you.

Make a Donation

Your monetary donations help us build a better museum experience, in addition to meeting necessary expenses. As a 501(c)3 public charity, your donation is tax-deductible.

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